Danetti Guides
Colour: An Introduction
Colour is the result of the light spectrum, and the different wavelengths that are reflected and absorbed by an object. When light hits an entity some wavelengths are absorbed and some are reflected, our perception of the object’s colour come from the wavelengths that are reflected. This information is initially received by receptors in the retina of the human eye and then translated by the brain, to create the various different colours that we as humans can recognise.
An understanding of colour is very important when it comes to anything creative, interior design is no exception. Understanding the theory behind which colours will work and which won’t, can often make or break a room. Colour should always be a thoughtful addition to any the room, because not only is it aesthetically pleasing but it is powerful enough to influence the emotions of those surrounded by it.
We have put together a variety of informative pages that should help to increase understanding of this subject and hopefully aid you in developing your interior design ideas.
Choosing the Right Colour Scheme
I know what you are going to say “where do I start?â€. When the time comes to decorate we all know the daunting feeling we get when we see that blank canvas. Deciding on the right colour scheme for your room can be as important as choosing the right furniture. Colour stimulates the mind as well as our emotions, so here’s our guide to help make that perfect choice!
Cool Colours
Cool colours are said to be the hues from blue green through blue violet. These colours are best used when you want to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Blue
Blue is favourite for creating calmness, peace and tranquillity. It is a popular colour for many rooms due to the fact it can go with both traditional and modern styles. Vintage styles can be created using blue with white a floral prints. Contemporary styles can be created using varied tone of blue with fresh whites and pale woods. Shades of blue work well with pastel colours especially soft apple greens. Blue with Yellow is a great combination for creating a sunny Mediterranean style.
Green
Green is the colour used to symbolize nature, balance, harmony and positivity. It creates a relaxing atmosphere when used in various tones. Team with pastels and neutrals to create a contemporary look in a living room or with cream for a country cottage look in a kitchen/breakfast room. Adding black and white to green can create an Art Deco look or why not be bold and try a retro theme with lime green for something a little different.
Purple
Most popularly used in bedrooms, purple is ideal for creating tranquility and best in the home when balanced with whites and pastels. It
An Introduction To Feng Shui
Feng Shui
Feng Shui known as ‘wind and water’ has been a traditional part of Chinese culture for thousands of years. The ancient art stems from the belief of positive and negative energy reflected in the Yin and Yang flow of Chi. To create a harmonious and balanced atmosphere placement of furniture is key, it can even help the flow and movements of natural rhythms.
Chi
The most important element of Feng Shui is considered to be chi, an invisible energy or life force that runs through everything. By organising our environments we can alter the flow of chi, which in turn is believed to affect health, wealth, luck and even the energy of the individuals living and work in that space.
The idea is to create a healthy flow around a space and prevent it from stagnating.
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are considered to be two parts of a whole, two opposing forces alive in all things.
Yang comes from the heavens, bright, masculine and forceful, it gains direction and purpose as it moves toward the earth, and Yin. Yang is so overpowering that Yin manifests as a dark, consuming element that moves upwards, toward the heavens, returning to Yang. Yin is regarded to be the earth, dark, feminine and passive, a complementary opposite to Yang’s bright, active, masculine energy. Together these two elements represent a perfect balance.
Feng Shui is all about getting the right balance between these two forces. As Yin is a passive and calming force, decorating using this energy is best kept to places where a relaxing atmosphere is important, such as a bedroom. On the other hand for a lively atmosphere such as a child’s playroom decorating with Yang would be more ideal.
The 5 Elements (or Wu Xing)
The 5 elements are as follows;
- Metal – Releasing (complete, ordered, structured, pure, joy, evening, white, gold, round etc.)
- Wood – Trusting (growth, new beginnings and ideas, rising, input, morning, rectangular etc.)
- Water – Aligning (power within, dormancy, midnight, blue/black, irregular etc.)
- Fire – Opening (enlightenment, action, midday, midsummer, red, triangular etc.)
- Earth - Connecting (resourceful, centred, balance, afternoon, yellow, square etc.)
The 5 elements are regarded by the Taoists as an expression of nature. It’s believed everything is made up of these energies, but with differing amounts of each. These manifest themselves with various traits and tendencies specific to the element or elements that are most dominan
Choosing The Right Dining Furniture
With good food, good company and comfortable furniture, I’m sure that we all would agree the most important and enjoyable part of the day is sitting down to dine, whether it be with family or friends. Finding a dining table and dining chairs that can fit well in your dining space can be challenging.
So Here is our Danetti Guide To Choosing The Right Dining Furniture
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Measure The Space
Measure the dining area, there should be at least a 900mm gap between the wall and the edge of the dining table. This ensures that the chairs will sit comfortably under the table and that the chairs are easy to pull out.
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Consider Who Will Be Using The Space
When sitting down to dine, the last thing you want is to be knocking elbows with the person next to you, so always think about the space and how it is going to be used. If you will use the area for family dining then a 4-8 seater dining table can be sufficient enough but if you hold frequent dinner parties then opt for a larger dining table seating over 8 people. If you only entertain large groups on an occasional basis, consider buying a smaller table that can expand. Ideally, the dining table should measure 900mm inches across. Narrower than that leaves no place in the middle for food; wider than that makes conversation difficult with the person seated opposite you.
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Choose Chairs That Compliment Your Table
As being a formal occasion, choose a dining chair that has similar design elements to the table to create symmetry. Advisably match the legs of the table and of the chair.
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The Chair Must Be Comfortable
We recommend a choosing a dining chair that is 435 mm wide as a standard size and at least 400mm deep. Obviously if you have a larger space and have opted for a bigger table then this can be increased. Dining chairs that are under these dimensions should be avoided as they cannot offer enough support.
Now you should be able to create the perfect dining experience!
Choosing the Right Height Kitchen Bar Stool
Whilst you are choosing the right design and style, choosing the right height of your kitchen bar stool is essential. Whether it be for home or commercial use, it is important to purchase a kitchen stool that can fit comfortably under your kitchen counter or bar.
Here is our Danetti guide to choosing the right counter height bar stool
Firstly measure your table, counter or bar from the floor to the base of the surface. Once you have this measurement, we advise that your kitchen stool needs to be 250-300mm (10-12 Inches) from the base of the surface to the top of the bar stool seat. This ensures there is enough space between the surface and the kitchen bar stool itself.
If you want to buy a kitchen bar stool that will meet most height specifications, consider opting for a gas lift kitchen stool as this will have a variable height due to the gas lift mechanism. The gas lift bar stools have another benefit which is a swivel action making it easier to get on and off the kitchen bar stool.
Kitchen Counter Height Stools
Balin Bar Stool
Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool
If you are looking for a stool to fit under a standard kitchen counter height, we would advise you to purchase a stool that is between 610-670mm (24 to 26 Inches) high, in order to fit under the 890-910mm (35 to 36 Inches) counter table. Some of the counter height kitchen stools we recommend are:
Balin Bar Stool and the Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool.
Bar Height Stools
Grayson Bar Stool
Saldi Bar Stool
If you are looking for a bar stool to fit under a bar height, we would advise you purchase a bar stool that has a seat height between 710-760mm (28 to 30 Inches) to fit under the 1010-1060mm (40 to 42 Inches) bar table height. A couple of bar stools that fit this height we recommend are:
Saldi Bar Stool and the Grayson Bar Stool.
High Bar Height
Oral Bar Stool
Rondure Bar Stool
If you are looking for a bar stool to fit under a high bar, we would advise you to purchase a bar stool that is 810-860mm (32-34 Inches) to fit under the 1140-1220mm (45 to 48 Inches) bar table height. Some of the high bar stools we recommend are:
Rondure Bar Stool and the Orla Bar Stool
Spacing your kitchen bar stools
Once you have the correct height kitchen bar stool, you now need to decide how many bar stools can fit comfortably in the space you have selected. You need to make sure there is enough room between each kitchen bar stool so that people can sit around the counter or bar and not feel overcrowded. We suggest that for a bar stool of 400-460mm (16-18 Inches) wide, you allow 530-560mm (21-22 Inches) of space and for a bar stool that is 480-560mm (19-22 Inches) wide, allow 610-630mm (24-25 Inches) of space between each stool.
More Information
If you would like more information on the kitchen bar stools that we sell and the bar stool heights please take a look at our kitchen bar stools page, the green box on the left hand side should enable you to search for kitchen bar stools that fall under a specific height category.